Israel launched an attack on Hamas terrorists in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, taking hundreds of hostages. In return, Israel meticulously targeted Hamas terrorists in Gaza—on the ground, in tunnels, and even by bombing other countries.
Then, Lebanon jumped into the fray. Why? Hamas terrorists in Gaza and Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon both receive support from Iran, which also assists Yemen’s Houthi rebels. After the attack on Hamas, Hezbollah considered Israel an enemy and initiated an attack.
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In retaliation, Israel launched relentless attacks on Lebanon, targeting their leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned Iran and Lebanon not to test their patience, stating they were at war with Hamas, and interference could lead to dire consequences. But Lebanon and Iran did not heed the warning.
Source: aajtak
Lebanon is Half the Size of Israel Yet a Significant Challenge
Lebanon is half the size of Israel in terms of area. Israel spans 20,770 square km, while Lebanon covers 10,400 square km. Israel has no rivers, while Lebanon's longest river stretches 170 kilometers.
The Israel-Lebanon border runs 130 kilometers, known as the Blue Line. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, attacks Israel with domestic missiles and drones, prompting Israel to conduct aerial strikes. How capable is Lebanon in confronting Israel?
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Population and Global Firepower Rankings of Israel and Lebanon
Israel has a 273 km coastline compared to Lebanon's 225 km. In the Global Firepower Index, Israel ranks 18th out of 145 countries, while Lebanon ranks 111th. Israel's population is 8.14 million, significantly larger than Lebanon's 5.296 million. Israel has a manpower pool of 3.744 million, compared to Lebanon’s 2.065 million.
Source: aajtak
Lebanon's Active Soldiers Less than Half of Israel's
Out of Israel’s available manpower, over 3.111 million are fit for military service, with 124,000 reaching the age for military enrollment. In comparison, Lebanon has 1.753 million people fit for military service, and only 68,859 reaching enrollment age.
Lebanon has only 80,000 active military personnel, while Israel boasts 173,000—more than twice as many. Israel also has a 465,000-strong reserve force; Lebanon has none. Israel's paramilitary forces number 8,000, compared to Lebanon’s 25,000.
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Israel Has 153 Fighter Jets, Lebanon Has 9
Israel operates 601 aircraft compared to Lebanon’s 78. Israel has 241 fighter aircraft, Lebanon has none. Israel also has 32 dedicated attack aircraft, while Lebanon has just 9. For training, Israel has 153 fighter jets, whereas Lebanon has only 9.
Source: aajtak
For special missions, Israel has 23 aircraft, Lebanon none. Israel has 126 helicopters compared to Lebanon’s 60. Of these, 48 are attack helicopters; Lebanon has none.
Towed Artillery Strength: Lebanon Ahead, Rocket Power: Behind
In terms of tanks, Lebanon has 361, while Israel has 2,200. Lebanon has 9,864 armored vehicles compared to Israel’s 56,290. Israel owns 650 self-propelled artillery units; Lebanon has only 84.
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Lebanon leads in towed artillery with 374 units against Israel’s 300. However, Israel has a significant advantage in mobile rocket projectors, owning 300 compared to Lebanon’s 30. In the navy, Lebanon surpasses Israel with 86 warships to Israel’s 67.
Source: aajtak
Israel Has 5 Submarines; Lebanon None
Israel owns five submarines, while Lebanon has none. Israel also has seven corvette warships, opposed to none for Lebanon. Israel maintains 45 patrol vessels compared to Lebanon’s 22. Israel operates 48 airports, whereas Lebanon has only eight. Israel has five ports; Lebanon has two. In terms of roads, Lebanon leads with 21,705 km compared to Israel’s 19,555 km. These roads and airports can be crucial in emergencies during wartime.
